From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale commission approved several large contracts and agreements during a recent meeting.
The Commission approved a construction agreement with Sky Living Co. Inc. for restroom and concession improvements at Mills Pond Park in the amount of $2,521,976.90.
This project, part of the Parks Bond Program, was prioritized through public engagement and advisory board recommendations. The improvements include new concession and restroom facilities with updated plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, structural enhancements, and site improvements such as new water, sanitary, irrigation, paving, and landscaping. The project aims to enhance park amenities and visitors experience while supporting long-term community recreation goals.
The Commission adopted a resolution approving a Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA) with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and accepting $1,886,440 in grant funding for the construction of the Runway 9 Parallel Taxiways Extension at Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) Airport.
The project, identified in the 2019 Airport Master Plan, aims to improve airport capacity, reduce payload penalties for larger aircraft, and enhance overall airfield efficiency. The estimated construction cost for the project is $6,108,100. FDOT funding will be allocated in multiple phases, with additional grant funding anticipated in fiscal year 2026. The Aviation Advisory Board supported the grant approval at its January 23, 2025, meeting.
The Commission adopted a resolution authorizing the Acting City Manager to submit a $4,000,000 grant application to the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) – Waterways Assistance Program. The grant requires a 50% City funding match, which will be covered by the Riverwalk Seawall Replacement Project CIP. This District 2 project aims to replace the aging seawall along Riverwalk North between the Andrews Avenue Bridge and the Florida East Coast Railway tracks. Improvements include a climate-resilient seawall, a floating dock for public access, and infrastructure to support water taxi services.
The Commission approved an agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for design and professional engineering services for the Tarpon River and Shady Banks Neighborhood Improvements in the amount of $372,164.37. The project is part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Local Agency Program and will implement priority mobility enhancements identified in the Neighborhood Mobility Master Plans. The Shady Banks improvements include pedestrian lighting, raised intersections, sidewalk enhancements, and a bulb-out installation. The Tarpon River improvements include a mini roundabout, a raised table intersection, sidewalks, and additional pedestrian lighting. The consultant will provide project management, preliminary design, environmental documentation, permitting assistance, and final design in compliance with FDOT requirements.
The Commission approved agreements with C.A.P. Government, Inc. and Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc. for plan review and inspection services in an estimated aggregate amount of $6,223,275 over an initial three-year term. The agreements include one two-year renewal option, bringing the potential total contract amount to $10,372,125, contingent on budget appropriations. These services support the Building Services, Urban Engineering, and Zoning and Landscaping Divisions, ensuring compliance with the Florida Building Code and maintaining timely review of permit applications. The contracts will allow Development Services to match operational demands for plan reviews and inspections while maintaining service expectations.
The Commission approved an agreement with FG Construction, LLC for the NW 15th Avenue Roadway Improvements Surtax Project in the amount of $2,804,524. The project, funded through an interlocal agreement with Broward County, will enhance multimodal connectivity and improve roadway safety along NW 15th Avenue from East Sunrise Boulevard to Mills Pond Park. The improvements include new crosswalks, traffic calming measures, ADA enhancements, drainage upgrades, sidewalk installation, new roadway signs and pavement markings, street lighting, and landscaping. This initiative supports the City’s commitment to expanding safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.
The Commission considered a City Commission Request for Review (CRR) of the Flowing Waters project, a proposed 129-unit mixed-use development at 3000 E. Oakland Park Blvd. The project, submitted by Claridge Homes 3000 Waterside, LP, was approved (4-3) by the Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) on February 19, 2025, subject to a 30-day CRR period expiring March 21, 2025.
